teen skin

With concerns about the H1N1 swine flu and other infectious diseases, many schools are adding hand sanitizer to their list of required supplies this year. But this policy leads to several questions: What should we look for when selecting a hand sanitizer? Do these products really work? If they do work, will using them create drug-resistant organisms?

No doubt some of you have seen concerning e-mail reports of children becoming gravely ill after ingesting hand sanitizer. I have two school-aged children, and I decided to find the answers before I set out to buy our school supplies.

Skin cancer is now the most prevalent form of cancer in America. The common belief is that skin cancer primarily affects older individuals who have had decades of exposure to the sun. However, we are now finding that skin cancer is skewing to a younger demographic. The reasons are not entirely clear, but we can speculate as to the causes. In my practice, I’m treating skin cancer more frequently among people as young as 25.

I want to recognize a dermatologist who is making a difference in the lives of others with a story I am inspired to share with readers.

Dr. Bryna Kane is a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at the University of California. Raised by parents who survived the Holocaust, Dr. Kane witnessed firsthand the negative effect that tattoos could have on a person’s life. The tattoos used for identification in concentration camps would often cause hepatitis infections and other diseases. But the psychological effects were just as negative, serving as a constant reminder of a horrific and traumatizing experience. Holocaust survivors inspired Dr. Kane to help others manage unwanted tattoos.

When it comes to acne, there’s a world of information out there that doesn’t square with the truth. That’s likely not shocking because most acne sufferers are intensely engaged with the condition and have tried everything to treat it. Many believe common myths about acne and repeat them to others, perpetuating the myths and misinformation. Here are a few examples of “common wisdom” that many share about acne.